Meat, poultry, some fish (link to foods to avoid), cooked eggs and nuts

Even if your pre-pregnancy eating habits were not as healthy as could have been it is not too late to make changes to your diet. Take inspiration from remembering that what goes into your mouth affects your baby's health and growth. By making small changes to your everyday diet during your first trimester will make it easier to incorporate ongoing changes throughout your pregnancy.

Healthy pregnancy eating tips

Have a piece of fresh fruit for a mid-morning or afternoon snack, instead of reaching for chocolate or biscuits.

By carrying a small bottle of water when you are out ensures you are well hydrated, and not tempted by sugary soft drinks.

Each week, prepare a couple of meals using beans, lentils and pulses. Incorporating these low-glycemic index foods into your balanced diet will help blood sugar level control. As an alternative to meat, chicken, fish and eggs, these plant-based foods are rich in important carbohydrates and also protein - much needed to build healthy new muscle tissue and body cells. Search our food section for healthy recipes and meal ideas.

Experimenting with different grains, such as barley, couscous or brown rice, will add healthy variety to your favourite recipes.

Preparing raw vegetables sticks (cucumber, carrot and celery) and storing in containers in the fridge will ensure you always have healthy, fresh food at your fingertips for a smart snack alternative.

This article was written by Claire Halliday for Kidspot, Australia's parenting resource for during your pregnancy. Sources include Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne and Commonwealth Government Department of Health and Ageing (The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating).